The Rangeland Scientist works as a member of a team in Eastern Oregon to advance conservation of shrub-steppe and other rangeland habitats and provides technical and scientific support for conservation initiatives. Works with other staff, public and private landowners, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Oregon State University researchers and others to identify and implement projects that maintain shrub-steppe habitat across SE OR and maintains partnerships that may include people and organizations in other western states. Supervises staff and fosters a collaborative team approach both within The Nature Conservancy and externally with conservation scientists and agency professionals.
Applied Science to Support Conservation, Restoration, and Policy (50%)
The Rangeland Scientist convenes and works with colleagues and partners to develop and apply science tools and information to advance the Oregon Deserts Initiative and related rangeland conservation strategies. The Rangeland Scientist provides science leadership concerning semi-arid rangeland ecosystems in Oregon and within the Conservancy’s larger western Sagebrush Sea effort. The Rangeland Scientist serves as the lead science advisor to the Innovative Restoration project in the Sagebrush Sea program and the closely related Precision Restoration project within the Oregon TNC program. The Rangeland Scientist coordinates with conservation science partners at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center to develop and implement strategies to advance common goals. Conducts scientific surveys and research, records data, writes reports and develops proposals in order to develop, manage and oversee conservation projects within the Oregon business unit. The Rangeland Scientist will work with conservation and government relations staff and partners to develop and promote science-based rangeland policy that advances conservation objectives.
Advancing Science (25%)
The Rangeland Scientist will work both independently and with colleagues to advance conservation science in rangeland systems; developing new tools, testable strategies and approaches, and leading scientific inquiry and problem-solving related to conservation and restoration. Advancing science includes searching for alternative ways to approach and solve conservation problems.
Communication (25%)
The Rangeland Scientist will communicate scientific findings and syntheses and the scientific basis for conservation priorities and actions to the general public, partners, media, and the scientific community. The Rangeland Scientist will coordinate with conservation science partners at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center to develop and implement communication strategies advancing common objectives. Communication channels will include but are not limited to peer-reviewed literature, other published materials and maps, presentations at meetings and conferences, news media, and field tours. They will also work with other Conservancy departments including government relations, marketing, philanthropy, and volunteer programs to educate and inspire Oregonians on the importance of conservation.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Working closely with the Eastern Oregon Conservation Director and other team members, develop adaptive management plans, conceptual models and design ecosystem conservation strategies seeking a variety of partners and input that achieves identified conservation outcomes.
- Develop, manage and oversee programs for the Oregon Chapter Deserts Initiative and rangeland strategies, collaborates with team and partners to draft project proposals to advance conservation strategies.
- Develop and manage the scientific evidence base to support rangeland conservation and restoration strategies across Oregon.
- Deliver high quality tools, biodiversity data, field services and trainings to staff and partners
- Design and implement experiments relative to program area.
- Supervise staff with a commitment to inclusivity, fostering the value of diverse perspectives and creating a psychologically safe team environment.
- Create, build, and maintain effective collaborations with academic, NGO, agency, tribal, and industry scientists in natural, physical, and social science disciplines.
- Coordinate fieldwork and logistical support for research, project development and monitoring.
- Develops work plans and project budgets.
- May manage a grant, contract or request for proposal.
- Coordinate with colleagues and partners across other western states.
- Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Represents The Nature Conservancy in public forums. Tailors communications with partners, donors and supporters and general public via public presentations, social media, and one on one meetings - working closely with Chapter external affairs/marketing staff.
- Travels up to 20% domestically, evening and weekend hours occasionally
- Must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience managing staff, project, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Experience with management and ecology of western rangeland habitats, and their associated ecological processes, especially fire, grazing and the effects of invasive species
- Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information.
- Experience preparing reports of findings.
- Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
- Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
- Experience with scientific application software.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 4 or more years related experience in developing and directing applied science (research, adaptive management, or related natural resources planning and implementation).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- PhD Degree in science related field
- Demonstrated experience with advanced quantitative and statistical analysis techniques
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Experience with Arc GIS, R or other analysis tools.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams incorporating natural, physical, and social sciences.
Hiring range for this position is $65,000-$72,000 annually